Who Are We?

Our Mission, Vision, and Goals

Mission

Our mission is to create a safe, supportive, and empowering space for Black rowers to connect, grow, and thrive. We aim to foster fellowship, build community, and affirm that each athlete belongs in the sport of rowing. By validating their presence and contributions, we want to amplify the message that Black rowers are invaluable and essential to this space. Through mentorship, advocacy, storytelling, and shared experiences, we work to provide resources and connections that empower athletes to navigate and excel in the sport at every level.

Vision

We envision a rowing community where Black rowers feel seen, celebrated, and supported. This includes:

A vibrant network of athletes across high school, collegiate, and professional levels, connected by shared goals and experiences.
A platform where Black rowers’ voices, stories, and accomplishments are amplified to inspire the next generation.
A transformative impact on the culture of rowing, breaking barriers, and increasing representation.
In-person and virtual opportunities for athletes to build lifelong connections, develop skills, and grow both on and off the water.

Ultimately, we aspire to change the narrative within the sport, ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational values embraced across the rowing world.

Goals

Build Community:
- Establish a social media network where athletes can connect, share experiences, and celebrate one another.
- Host virtual meetings to facilitate discussions, mentorship opportunities, and athlete-to-athlete support.
Amplify Representation:
- Create athlete spotlights to highlight the achievements and journeys of Black rowers.
- Document athlete experiences to create a living archive of stories that validate and inspire others.
Mentorship and Advocacy:
- Collaborate with experienced rowers, coaches, and advocates to host talks, workshops, and mentorship sessions.
- Provide younger athletes with guidance, reassurance, and opportunities to grow in the sport.
Expand Participation:
- Recruit and support high school athletes to engage with rowing, providing resources and connections.
- Create opportunities for prospective athletes to explore rowing as a sport and a community.
Foster Growth Through Events:
- Organize in-person gatherings, such as summer training trips and retreats, to deepen connections, build skills, and create lasting memories.
- Develop partnerships and programs to provide access to rowing resources for underserved communities.
Broaden Reach:
- Create a pipeline that transitions athletes from high school to collegiate rowing and beyond.
- Establish representation in rowing programs across the country, ultimately having a presence in all 50 states.

Our Story

BRAID was founded by Joy Neal and Amari Randall with an idea to create a space where Black rowers can connect, support each other, and thrive. We believe in the power of representation and inclusivity, and our mission is to break down barriers in the rowing world.

Across the nation, Black rowers often face similar challenges when it comes to representation, access, and inclusivity in the sport. Historically, rowing has not always been a welcoming space for Black athletes, with many feeling excluded or underrepresented. We want to change that narrative and pave the way for future generations of rowers to not only see themselves in the sport but to feel empowered to take part in it.

The goal of BRAID is to foster a community where Black rowers can thrive, share experiences, and grow—both on and off the water. Whether you're just starting or have years of experience, BRAID is here to celebrate your victories, support your journey, and ensure that all voices are heard and valued. This community is for everyone who believes in the power of sports to bring about change and foster belonging.

We’re excited to continue growing this community and working toward a more inclusive future in rowing.

Our Team

Joy Neal

Co-Founder

Joy Neal is a proud co-founder of BRAID (Black Rowers Amplifying Inclusion and Diversity) and a dedicated advocate for social change within the sport of rowing. Originally from Columbus, OH, Joy is a third-year member of Clemson's women’s varsity team. She began her rowing career with Central Ohio Rowing her freshman year of high school in 2018, where she first discovered her passion for the sport. With seven years of experience, Joy is passionate about creating opportunities for Black rowers to excel both on and off the water.

As president of Tigers Unite at Clemson, she works to foster a sense of belonging and unity among student-athletes, celebrating their diverse identities. Through BRAID, Joy is focused on amplifying the voices and stories of Black rowers, offering mentorship and building a community where athletes are supported and empowered.

Guided by a belief in the power of representation, Joy is committed to inspiring the next generation of rowers to see themselves in the sport and know that they belong. Her leadership is fueled by her passion for social justice and her vision of a more inclusive and equitable rowing community. Living by the words of Shirley Chisholm, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair,” Joy sees her work with BRAID as creating a seat for Black rowers in a space that has too often excluded them, making room for their voices, experiences, and contributions. Looking forward, she aims to expand BRAID’s reach and ensure that every Black rower who picks up an oar has a strong community and network to support their growth.

Amari Randall

Co-Founder

Amari Randall is a proud co-founder of BRAID (Black Rowers Amplifying Inclusion and Diversity) and a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the world of rowing. Originally from Williamsburg, VA, Amari currently rows for the University of Delaware women’s rowing team. She began her rowing journey as a walk-on to the varsity women’s rowing team at Clemson University in 2022, and her experience in the sport has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Amari’s love for rowing goes hand-in-hand with her mission to create meaningful change. She is deeply committed to amplifying the voices of athletes who, like her, have historically been underrepresented in rowing. Inspired by the words of Maya Angelou, Amari strives to “be the change” she wishes to see in the world and works tirelessly to ensure that every Black child knows they have the power to achieve greatness.

Through BRAID, Amari is determined to provide a safe and empowering space for Black rowers, fostering community, mentorship, and opportunity for current and future athletes. Her favorite lines from Maya Angelou’s poem “Hey Black Child” serve as a guiding mantra: “Do you know you can be what you want to be if you try to be what you can be?”

With her unwavering passion and dedication, Amari is excited to create a legacy of inclusion, representation, and excellence in rowing.

Baylor Henry

Executive Board Member

Baylor Henry is a proud executive board member of BRAID (Black Rowers Amplifying Inclusion and Diversity) and an advocate for diversity and inclusion. An Atlanta native, Baylor began her rowing journey back in 2017 with Atlanta Junior Rowing Association and continued her athletic career in 2021 with Drexel Women’s Crew.

Her love for rowing continued outside Drexel, with making history in the first all black womens eight in 2022 at Head of the Charles Regatta. Her account blackgirlsrow helped create meaningful change to amplify the voices of athletes who have historically been underrepresented in rowing.

As captain of Drexel crew, she understands the importance of fostering belonging and camaraderie among her peers, celebrating their strengths and advocates for her teammates to use their voices. Through BRAID, Baylor’s leadership is guided by resilience and liberty to influence the mindset of next generation rowers that “we can too”.

Living by the words of Denzel Washington, “never compromise who you are...” Baylor sees her work with BRAID as an opportunity to instill value, confidence, and respect for Black rowers in a space that has often overlooked them. Looking ahead, she is excited to champion diversity in rowing, paving the way for Black excellence and ensuring the sport evolves into a space where everyone can thrive.

Olyma Jolie Desarmes

Executive Board Member

Olyma Desarmes is a proud executive board member of B.R.A.I.D (Black Rowers Amplifying Inclusion and Diversity) and a committed advocate for diversity and inclusion for black athletes. Home grown from Connecticut, Olyma formerly rowed for Syracuse University, majoring in Psychology. Her rowing journey started as a walk-on to the varsity women's rowing team in fall of 2022, with her previous athletic background in olympic weightlifting and lacrosse.

Olyma’s why in the sport, emulates her goal in life to initiate positive change in the world. As Rowing is the least diverse sport among the NCAA, she is committed to creating change for more inclusion. Through her journey of navigating spaces where she often felt underrepresented, it has inspired her to become an outspoken advocate for inclusion, mental health, and racial equity in sports.

Through her leadership in B.R.A.I.D. Olyma is dedicated to advocating for underrepresented athletes, centering conversation about race and identity, and pushing for systemic change within rowing programs. In the wise words of James Baldwin “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced” Through B.R.A.I.D. Our initiative is to be the change and start paving more room for Black athletes in the rowing space.

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